Faros Market in Akrotiri: The Traditional Taste of Santorini

On the way to the Lighthouse in Akrotiri there is one place you would want to visit while in Santorini. You know these little shops that still remain traditional despite all the touristic development around them and they just pass on the family business from one generation to the next? Well Faros Market is one of these places. And you will want to see it.

This is the traditional shop you should be looking for…

It is a cute little place, ideal to relax and get away from the crowds in Santorini..

And here, you will have the chance to taste many hand-made local products & wines.

Faros Market in Akrotiri, Santorini is a small family owned shop that sells organic local products. Faros in Greek means Lighthouse. In Faros Market you will find home-made preserves (made from many different fruits and vegetables), fava (split peas), jams, capers and caper leaves, honey, sun-dried tomatoes, the local cheese (it is called chloro) and so many other traditional products.

Most of these products are made by the family that owns the place. The rest is carefully selected from nearby producers. Everything is local and everything is traditional. Of course you can also buy Santorini wine and you can also do a short wine tasting session in the cellar while you are there.

Some of the traditional products you will find in Faros Market

And more local products..

In Faros Market, you will also find a few Santorini souvenirs…

And a variety of Santorini wines..

Maria is the owner of the shop. She is very knowledgeable about all things wine and food. She will give you a tour of the shop, the surrounding vineyards, the wine cellar and introduce you to Santorini’s local products and wine.

The famous Santorini Vineyards. Grapes grow very close to the ground here.

This is the traditional wine cellar, where you can taste the local wines and learn how we make them.

While you are there you will also get a chance to meet an adorable donkey- he will be expecting you to pet him. Imagine him as a dog and proceed accordingly : ) No need to worry about this dude, as he is well taken care of.

This is the friendly donkey at Faros Market.

Depending on the day, you might see some goats hanging around as well. If you have little kids, I would recommend you take them there. They will surely enjoy it.

From Faros Market, you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset if you are there in the evening. Beautiful and quiet. There is a terrace with great views to caldera, also ideal for a short break during the day if you are hiking to the Lighthouse, or you just want a taste of the local produce.

The terrace in Faros Market..

If you happen to be around in August, check their Facebook page. They organize traditional barefoot stomping events! With local music, dancing and wine involved. It is a lot of fun.

Overall, Faros Market is a great experience and a pleasant break from all the touristy attractions of Santorini. It is not a fancy place; it is simple, traditional and definitely worth visiting if you want to see the more original side of Santorini.

I personally have a lot of respect for people like Maria and their families. I admire them. And it is thanks to them that we get to keep our traditions and pass them on to the next generation.

Thank you Maria!

Instead of an aftermath, I would like to say this: One of the main reasons I like Faros Market is because of the variety of the home-made preserves they have. They take me back in time. Home-made preserves are a lost art here in Greece. I remember my grandmother always making them. It was the main treat you would offer a guest when they visited your house. It would be served in a very small plate and eaten with a tiny spoon. This is why in Greek we call them “Spoon sweets” (=glyka tou koutaliou). You can make them from any kind of fruit you like and even vegetables. After all, sugar makes everything tasty! In Santorini, there are two famous “Spoon sweets”: one made from the local cherry tomatoes and the other made from prickly pears.